The .Wallet file virus is associated with ransomware called Dharma. Dharma ransomware is a virus that encrypts particular data by utilizing the strong AES encipher algorithm so that hackers responsible for the attack can extort victims for а ransom payment. All files that have appended the malicious extension .wallet are out of order and cannot be accessed. Wallet virus can infect all Windows versions and is currently overspreading worldwide.
Unfortunately, Wallet is not decrypted yet, but there is always hope as some of the previous versions have been decoded successfully. The good news is that below you can find alternative data recovery solutions that are likely to help you restore .wallet files. Cheer up and follow our instructions below:
Manual Removal Guide
Recover .Wallet Files
Skip all steps and download anti-malware tool that will safely scan and clean your PC.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
The Extensions of .Wallet Dharma Ransomware Virus
The .wallet ransomware virus will have extensions that follow this formula:
“.(ransomware contact email).wallet”
Here are some available examples of extensions used by the .Wallet Dharma Ransomware Virus:
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
- [email protected]
What Is the Damage Caused by the .Wallet File Virus?
Оbviously, the most significant consequence of .wallet file virus is the limited usage of valuable data. However, this crypto virus is able to plague the whole system once its payloads are running on the machine. The infection starts with the execution of a file that is designed to interact with other malicious files associated with Dharma ransomware and performs system changes to intending to strengthen its malicious impact.
For the encryption process Dharma ransomware initiates a scan of all computer drives in search of particular file types set as target in its list of “file extensions to encrypt”. The vicious ransomware code is meant to utilize an advanced encryption algorithm – AES, whenever it detects a file match. In the end of this stage the file is no longer accessible by any program installed on the PC and receives the virus extension .wallet as well. The target data list of Dharma ransomware is not announced officially but it probably includes commonly used data formats for saving data. So the following file types may be encrypted during a Dharma ransomware attack:
.PNG .EPS .PS .SVG .PCT .PDF .XLR .XLS .XLSX .DB .DBF .MDB .PDB .SQL .APK .APP .BAT .COM .EXE .GADGET .JAR .PIF .WSF .DEM .GAM .NES .ROM .SAV CAD .DWG .DXF GIS Files .GPX .ASP .ASPX .CER .CSR .CSS .HTM .HTML .JS .JSP .PHP .RSS .XHTML .DOC .DOCX .LOG .MSG .ODT .PAGES .RTF .TEX .TXT .WPD .WPS .CSV .DAT .GED .KEY .KEYCHAIN .PPS .PPT .PPTX .UUE .7Z .CBR .DEB .GZ .PKG .RAR .RPM .SITX .TAR .GZ .ZIP .ZIPX .BIN .CUE .DMG .ISO .MDF .TOAST .VCD SDF .TAR .VCF .XML .AIF .IFF .M3U .M4A .MID .MP3 .MPA .WAV .WMA .3G2 .3GP .ASF .AVI .FLV .M4V .MOV .MP4 .MPG .RM .SRT .SWF .VOB .WMV 3D .3DM .3DS .MAX .OBJ R.BMP .DDS .GIF .JPG .CRX .PLUGIN .CPL .DLL .DMP .DRV .ICNS .ICO .LNK .SYS .CFG
The Dharma .wallet file virus is also likely to change and create objects in the Windows Registry editor. Modifications of Run and RunOnce registry keys allow the threat to run automatically its malicious files on each Windows startup. The syntax of some the affected registry keys is:
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
- HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
- HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunOnce
Additionally, the ransomware may create several files in %AppData%, %LocalAppData%, %Temp%, %Roaming%, and %[User’s Profile]% folders. It is also likely a ransom note file to be dropped on fixed PC location. The attackers often use ransom notes as a mean of communication with the victims. The notes usually display text that informs victims about the caused damage by the ransomware, how much the ransom is and where it could be transferred. According to security researchers, the Dharma ransom note may be named Readme.txt or Readme.jpg. The text displayed on it may read the following:
//hallo, our dear friend!
//looks like you have some troubles with your security.
//all your files are now encrypted.
//using third-party recovering software will corrupt your data.
//you have only one way to get them back safely – using our decryption tool.
//to get original decryption tool contact us with email. In subject like write your ID, which you can find in name of every crypted file, also attach to email 3 crypted files.
[email protected]
//it is in your interest to respond as soon as possible to ensure the restoration of your files because we won’t keep your decryption keys at our servers more than 72 hours in interest of our security.
//P.S. only in case you don’t receive a response from the first email address within 24 hours, please use this alternative email address.
[email protected]
The registry key that controls the Desktop settings may also be changed in a way that Dharma ransom note is set as current desktop wallpaper.
There is no information about the exact ransom amount, but probably it should be transferred in Bitcoins.
.Wallet File Virus – Distribution
The .wallet file virus (Dharma ransomware) may be spread via different infection vectors. You may receive an email that contains malicious attachment in the form of an Adobe PDF, Microsoft Office document or ZIP archive. Another way of .wallet file virus are links to malicious landing pages. It may be again part of an email message or spread as a message on social media networks. Attackers often employ social engineering frauds to trick victims into clicking on the malicious link or opening malicious email attachments. So the email may impersonate your bank services, electricity or internet providers, a colleague or a friend.
Beware that almost all means of digital information sharing may be compromised in a way to infect you with Dharma ransomware.
Security Tip: Online malware scanner services like VirusTotal will check whether a URL is malicious or not. Furthermore, whenever a file is uploaded it passes through a security check. Then the service provides information about its security status. The usage of such kind of services will help you decide how to proceed further with all suspicious files and eventually prevent malware infection.
Remove .Wallet File Virus and Restore Encrypted Files
For the sake of your security, it is recommendable to avoid contact crooks on their email addresses – [email protected] and [email protected] as well as the ransom payment. There is no guarantee that even after an eventual payment the decryption key will be working, they are criminals after all. However, it is obligatory to remove all malicious ransomware files before taking further actions on the infected computer. The detailed guide below provides consistent removal approach. Have in mind that some malicious files may be hard to be located, but as long as they remain on the system it is endangered of future malware attacks and information theft. The help of an anti-malware tool is a reliable and secure way to get rid of all existing malware on the computer and stay protected in future.
As regards the decryption it is known that Dharma ransomware belongs to the CrySiS ransomware family that in turn has been already decrypted. Unfortunately, there is no available decryption solution for the .wallet ransomware variant. The good news is that some professional data recovery solutions can restore some .wallet files.
WARNING! Manual removal of the Wallet ransomware virus requires being familiar with system files and registries. Removing important data accidentally can lead to permanent system damage. If you don’t feel comfortable with manual instructions, download a powerful anti-malware tool that will scan your system for malware and clean it safely for you.
SpyHunter anti-malware tool will diagnose all current threats on the computer. By purchasing the full version, you will be able to remove all malware threats instantly. Additional information about SpyHunter / Help to uninstall SpyHunter
Wallet Virus – Manual Removal Steps
Start the PC in Safe Mode with Network
This will isolate all files and objects created by the ransomware so they will be removed efficiently. The steps bellow are applicable to all Windows versions.
1. Hit the WIN Key + R
2. A Run window will appear. In it, write msconfig and then press Enter
3. A Configuration box shall appear. In it Choose the tab named Boot
4. Mark Safe Boot option and then go to Network under it to tick it too
5. Apply -> OK
Show Hidden Files
Some ransomware threats are designed to hide their malicious files in the Windows so all files stored on the system should be visible.
1. Open My Computer/This PC
2. Windows 7
-
– Click on Organize button
– Select Folder and search options
– Select the View tab
– Go under Hidden files and folders and mark Show hidden files and folders option
3. Windows 8/ 10
-
– Open View tab
– Mark Hidden items option
4. Click Apply and then OK button
Enter Windows Task Manager and Stop Malicious Processes
1. Hit the following key combination: CTRL+SHIFT+ESC
2. Get over to Processes
3. When you find suspicious process right click on it and select Open File Location
4. Go back to Task Manager and end the malicious process. Right click on it again and choose End Process
5. Next, you should go folder where the malicious file is located and delete it
Repair Windows Registry
1. Again type simultaneously the WIN Key + R key combination
2. In the box, write regedit and hit Enter
3. Type the CTRL+ F and then write the malicious name in the search type field to locate the malicious executable
4. In case you have discovered registry keys and values related to the name, you should delete them, but be careful not to delete legitimate keys
Click for more information about Windows Registry and further repair help
Recover .Wallet Files
WARNING! All files and objects associated with Wallet ransomware virus should be removed from the infected PC before any data recovery attempts. Otherwise the virus may encrypt restored files. Furthermore, a backup of all encrypted files stored on external media is highly recommendable.
1. Use present backups
2. Use professional data recovery software
Stellar Phoenix Data Recovery – a specialist tool that can restore partitions, data, documents, photos, and 300 more file types lost during various types of incidents and corruption.
3. Using System Restore Point
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Select “Open System Restore” and follow the steps
4. Restore your personal files using File History
-
– Hit WIN Key
– Type restore your files in the search box
– Select Restore your files with File History
– Choose a folder or type the name of the file in the search bar
– Hit the “Restore” button
